SEALED RUNWAYS WANTED ON THE NEW AERODROME

Greymouth Evening Star, 31 August 1950, Page 2

SEALED RUNWAYS WANTED ON THE NEW AERODROME

Criticism of the decision to prepare grass runways on the new Hokitika aerodrome in preference to tar-seal-ed lengths, was voiced at a meeting of the Hokitika Progress League this week.

It was pointed out that water lay very heavily on the runaways during a heavy shower and if they were to be grassed it would not be long before the surface would revert to a muddy condition. Deciding to delay firm action until receipt of a full report on the aerodrome situation, which Mr J. B. Kent M.P. had indicated was being prepared for release this week, the league nevertheless resolved to ask the Minister of Works, Mr W. S. Goosman, to withhold action with regard to the plan to sow grass on the runways and to explain the alteraion in plans. . Regarding a reply from the Resident Engineer of New Zealand Railways in connection, with repairs to Lake Mahinapua Station as evasive and unsatisfactory, it was decided to take the matter up again and if the result was not more satisfactory to go further with the request. Some time ago the league made representations to the Railway Department to improve the amenities and lay-out of the Hokitika railway station and up to the present no action has been taken. It was resolved to remind the department of the representations made and to enquire when something is likely to be done.